Basketball on the Edge – My Top Ten List of “Little Things” That Will Make You A Better Player (Plus a bonus reminder from a college coach)

Published April 27, 2018 | By Mike Klinzing

_DR16107

Basketball coaches all over the world preach to their players the importance of doing the “little things” that lead to winning. Here is a top 10 list of my favorite “little things” that set great players apart from average players.

1. Sprinting the floor in transition both ways

It doesn’t take talent to run hard, but very few players can do it all the time. You can score so many easy baskets or prevent them if you’ll discipline yourself not to be content jogging down the floor.

2. Taking charges

Giving up your body to take a charge can swing the momentum of a game quickly.

3. Passing and catching

The simple act of completing passes leads to leads to improved offensive performance. Don’t take it for granted as a player or a coach.

4. Waiting for screens

I could have listed setting screens here, but even when good screens are set the player receiving the screen must wait to use the screen effectively. It’s hard to be patient and wait, but if you do, you’ll be rewarded.

5. Focusing on footwork

Sure your skill with the ball is important and so is your basketball IQ, but after that, I would argue that great footwork come next.

6. Diving for loose balls

Some players do, some don’t. Which one are you?

7. Boxing out

You can get some rebounds against shorter, less athletic, inferior opponents without boxing out. On the other hand, if you DO box out, you can get more rebounds no matter who you’re playing against.

8. Making the extra pass

The player who makes the extra pass is a joy to play with. When you’re open and they have the ball it is soon on its way to you. Have a team with five players like that and magic happens! Conversely, one player that doesn’t make the extra pass can inject selfishness into all of their teammates without even realizing it.

9. Making free throws

If players only realized how many games are won and lost at the free throw line. Shoot 100 a day so your coach and teammates can count on you every time you step to the line. Read a more in-depth plan for improving your free throw shooting here.

10. Cutting hard

Most players jog on cuts, it’s a fact. Teams and player that cut hard are a nightmare to defend. Anyone can jog, it takes toughness to cut hard consistently.

BONUS – Being a great teammate and remembering that someone (your current coach, your next coach, your mom, a scout, a teammate) is always watching!

Read my blog post about what it takes to be a great teammate here.

A few final thoughts from Bob McKillop, head coach at Davidson College.
• “When I am recruiting a young man to play at Davidson, I look at what he does when he comes out of the game. Does he walk to the bench or run? Does he mope or high five his teammates?
• When he is in the game, does he want to take big shots? Does he dive on the floor for loose balls?
• How is his body language when being coached? Is he an eye roller? Is he a shoulder shrugger?”

Are these “little things”? Yes. Do they make a big difference? Absolutley!

Start doing the “little things” and become the type of player you wouldn’t want to play against.